"Come here, Froakie. I didn't get a chance earlier, but now I'll introduce you to your future companions."
After Cynthia and the others left, Chen Shi had nothing else pressing to attend to.
So, brimming with enthusiasm, he let Froakie and all his other Pokémon out at once.
What he failed to notice, however, was that the moment Florges appeared, the Carbink undergoing mutation kept her gaze fixed on her.
Chen Shi pointed at Swampert. "Look, this is Swampert. He might look a little goofy, but he's incredibly strong~"
"Swam~"
Swampert paused, then scratched his head with a sheepish grin before raising both arms in a bodybuilder's pose.
Then Chen Shi introduced Florges and the others to Froakie one by one.
Florges and the others understood that the little frog before them would be their companion from now on, so they were all very friendly toward him.
Froakie stared blankly at these companions, each radiating a more powerful presence than the last, his big, round eyes filled with surprise and curiosity.
He had never imagined that the companions he would live and fight alongside would all be so strong.
Froakie looked at one, then another.
His little body unconsciously shrank back, nervous yet tinged with anticipation.
He wondered whether he would get along with them, and whether he could ever become as strong as they were.
Seemingly sensing what was on his mind, Chen Shi patted his little head and spoke in a calm, encouraging voice:
"Don't worry. You'll become just as strong as them someday. But it'll take tough training and battles."
"You'd better prepare yourself!"
"Froak!!"
Hearing Chen Shi's words, Froakie seemed to flare with fighting spirit in an instant. He clenched his tiny fists, his eyes brimming with unwavering determination.
He had already made a silent vow.